Do You Have Gum Disease?

Posted December 8, 2015.

Did you know that disease can lead to fairly serious problems, or why you should keep your gums safe?

As you probably know, your gums are important. Beneath your gums is bone that supports your teeth and keep them in place. Your gums, which are actually just a soft layer of skin, protect this supporting bone and keeps bacteria and plaque from reaching them. Unfortunately, if your gums are damaged or diseased, the supporting bone may be vulnerable. In fact, plaque releases toxins that can irritate and damage your gums and lead to gum diseases like gingivitis. Sadly, if gum disease isn’t treated quickly, the condition can worsen and ultimately lead to a variety of complications.

Would you be surprised to learn that most Americans have gum disease? In fact, nearly three-quarters of all Americans have some type of gum disease. Sadly, many of these Americans don’t even know that they have gum disease. This can be especially problematic since gum disease tends to get worse when it is not treated. This can lead to a variety of issues, such as the loss of teeth, damage to supporting bone structure, and even cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, and some chronic conditions.

To avoid these complications, we recommend visiting your dentist if you notice any of the common signs of gum disease, including: gums that bleed when you brush them, loose teeth, persistent bad breath, and red or tender gums. We also recommend practicing good oral hygiene—including visiting your dentist every six months—to protect yourself from gum disease.

If you would like to learn more, please feel free to contact us. We’re eager to hear from you.